The Ruling on Mixed Gatherings and Treatment with Music

Question:
What is the ruling on mixed farewell gatherings for men and women? And what is the ruling on treatment with music?

Answer:
Gatherings should not involve free mixing of men and women. If they are gatherings held for men alone, and for women alone, a gathering for these men upon farewell, and a gathering for these women upon farewell, women with women, and men with men, that is acceptable. As for free mixing, this is what is wrong; this is from the practices of the pre-Islamic age of ignorance—we seek refuge in Allah—from the practices of the pre-Islamic age of ignorance. Rather, the gathering should be for men alone, and for women alone. This is the obligatory duty of those in charge.
As for treatment with music, it has no basis. This is from the actions of the foolish. Music is not a treatment. Music and the instruments of entertainment are a disease for the hearts; it is not a treatment. Whoever wants to be treated with music means that he makes them sick and harms them, until he accustoms them to falsehood and makes listening to the Qur'an and the Sunnah heavy for them. There is no power and no strength except with Allah.